In 1983, the world of cricket bore witness to a magical and historic event on the hallowed grounds of Turnbridge Wells. Surprisingly, the rank outsiders, who had struggled in previous world cups, toppled the mightiest of opponents on the grand stage. Below, you’ll find the scorecard of the 1983 World Cup clash between India and Zimbabwe, detailing both teams’ performances in batting and bowling. In this blog, we will explore the pivotal role played by Kapil Dev and his remarkable 175-run innings. Kapil Dev, an esteemed captain of his time, will be the center of our discussion. If you’re curious about who the best Indian cricket captain is, you’ll find the answer here.
The Scorecard Reads: India 266 for 8 (Kapil Dev 175*; Rawson 3-47, Curran 3-65) beat Zimbabwe 235 (Curran 73; Madan Lal 3-42) by 31 runs.
This is the tale of one of the most awe-inspiring games ever played in the history of the gentleman’s game. Uniquely, this match was not televised, and thus, there exists no recording. However, despite being unseen, this game etched itself into the memories of all who heard of it.
India’s encounter with Zimbabwe was not broadcasted due to prior decisions. This disappointment weighed heavily, especially on skipper Kapil Dev, whose phenomenal 175 not out left everyone in sheer admiration. Fortunately, an Indian supporter present at the match captured these momentous innings on his video camera and later sold it to Kapil Dev for a handsome sum.
The match deserved every accolade, for it was a one-day spectacle featuring an extraordinary performance by Indian skipper Kapil Dev. This remarkable display propelled India into the World Cup ’83 finals, a feat that once seemed improbable to the despondent Indian cricket enthusiasts.
A Glimpse of Kapil Dev’s 175 Scorecard:
On 18 June 1983, the Haryana Hurricane, Kapil Dev, played an incredible knock of 175 not out off just 138 balls. With 16 fours and 6 sixes, he dismantled the Zimbabwean bowlers, sending the ball to all corners of the ground. Kapil Dev displayed exceptional form, leaving the Zimbabwean attack bewildered and grasping at straws. His innings was a masterclass in responsible, yet attacking and aggressive batting. The second-highest score in the Indian team was 24, contributed by Syed Kirmani, who played a crucial partnership with Kapil, providing him ample strikes as Kapil continued scoring quickly and finding the boundaries. In the end, India posted 266 runs, securing a 31-run victory.
India vs. Zimbabwe 1983 World Cup Highlights:
Indians Batting Scorecard – 1983 World Cup
Player Name | Out | Runs | Balls | Sixes | Fours | Strike Rate |
Sunil Gavaskar | lbw b Rawson | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Kris Srikkanth | c Butchart b Curran | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Mohinder Amarnath | c †Houghton b Rawson | 5 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 25 |
Sandeep Patil | c †Houghton b Curran | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Yashpal Sharma | c †Houghton b Rawson | 9 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 32.14 |
Kapil Dev (c) | not out | 175 | 138 | 6 | 16 | 126.81 |
Roger Binny | lbw b Traicos | 22 | 48 | 0 | 2 | 45.83 |
Ravi Shastri | c Pycroft b Fletcher | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.66 |
Madan Lal | c †Houghton b Curran | 17 | 39 | 0 | 1 | 43.58 |
Syed Kirmani | not out | 24 | 56 | 0 | 2 | 42.85 |
Extras Runs | (w 3, lb 9) | 12 | ||||
TOTAL | 266/ 60 Ovs. (RR: 4.43) |
Zimbabwe Bowling Scorecard:
Bowlers Name | Overs | Runs | ECON | M | Wickets |
Peter Rawson | 12 | 47 | 3.91 | 4 | 3 |
Kevin Curran | 12 | 65 | 5.41 | 1 | 3 |
Iain Butchart | 12 | 38 | 3.16 | 2 | 0 |
Duncan Fletcher | 12 | 59 | 4.91 | 2 | 1 |
John Traicos | 12 | 45 | 3.75 | 0 | 1 |
Neville Ground, Tunbridge Wells, may have been a small stadium, but it witnessed an incredible rush of spectators. Fans from both teams flocked in huge numbers, squeezing in near the boundaries amid marquees and hospitality tents.
Zimbabwe lost the toss to India, marking their fifth consecutive loss. As India opted to bat first, Zimbabwe’s bowlers knew how to keep the opposition in check. The deliveries by Peter Rawson and Kevin Curran exhibited sharp movement off the seam, providing plenty of lift, making it easier to cheer for the Indian Cricket Team. Unfortunately, both openers, Gavaskar and Srikkanth, faltered, and the early wickets fell cheaply, with Dave Houghton taking three catches behind the stumps.
The match organizers fretted that it might turn into a one-sided affair and conclude by lunchtime. However, Dave Ellman Brown remained hopeful, believing that the game could still change. His faith proved justified. With the quick fall of wickets, many predicted Zimbabwe’s victory.
Despite playing a near-flawless innings, Kapil Dev did offer a chance to Grant Paterson at the boundaries, and a few miscued strikes landed in no man’s land. Nevertheless, the world witnessed an exhibition of world-class cricket that afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The vital statistics of Kapil’s innings include 181 minutes at the crease, 6 sixes, 16 fours, and a century off just 72 balls.
The mighty Zimbabwean team stumbled to 113 for six, despite feedback that the Indian squad did not bowl as well as they did in Leicester. Kevin Curran’s partnership with Butchart and Gerald Peckover was commendable, but his dismissal due to a seemingly trivial catch cost Zimbabwe dearly.
Zimbabwe Scorecard – 1983 World Cup
Innings of Zimbabwe (Targeted Score: 267 runs from 60 overs)
Player Name | Out | Runs | Balls | Sixes | Fours | Strike Rates |
Robin Brown | run out | 35 | 66 | 0 | 2 | 53.03 |
Grant Paterson | lbw b Binny | 23 | 35 | 0 | 4 | 65.71 |
Jack Heron | run out | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 37.5 |
Andy Pycroft | c †Kirmani b Sandhu | 6 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
Dave Houghton † | lbw b Madan Lal | 17 | 35 | 0 | 2 | 48.57 |
Duncan Fletcher (c) | c Kapil Dev b Amarnath | 13 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 56.52 |
Kevin Curran | c Shastri b Madan Lal | 73 | 93 | 0 | 8 | 78.49 |
Iain Butchart | b Binny | 18 | 43 | 0 | 1 | 41.86 |
Gerald Peckover | c Yashpal Sharma b Madan Lal | 14 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 77.77 |
Peter Rawson | not out | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
John Traicos | c & b Kapil Dev | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.85 |
Extras | (w 7, nb 4, lb 17) | |||||
TOTAL | 235/57 Ovs. (RR: 4.12) |
Indian Bowling Scorecard:
Bowlers Name | Overs | Runs | ECON | M | Wickets |
Kapil Dev | 11 | 32 | 2.9 | 1 | 1 |
Balwinder Sandhu | 11 | 44 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Roger Binny | 11 | 45 | 4.09 | 2 | 2 |
Madan Lal | 11 | 42 | 3.81 | 2 | 3 |
Mohinder Amarnath | 12 | 37 | 3.08 | 1 | 1 |
Ravi Shastri | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Unfortunately, Kevin Curran misjudged the pace of a long hop, resulting in a simple catch off the splice. Till Curran’s presence, Zimbabwe believed they had a fair chance to win. However, their struggle and inexperience caused them to fall short by 32 runs in the end. As the victorious captain, Kapil Dev kissed the ground in celebration.
As Zimbabwe lost wickets early in their innings, the match slowly slipped from their grasp. They failed to pace their innings adequately and attempted domination, ultimately leading to their downfall.
The Role of Kapil Dev’s 175 Runs in India’s Victory:
In a do-or-die match at the Turnbridge Wells Stadium in England, India faced Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup game. India found themselves in a precarious position with 5 wickets down for just 17 runs when the great Kapil Dev took the crease. The rest, as they say, is history. Kapil Dev’s phenomenal 175 not out propelled India to a total of 266, keeping them alive in the tournament and instilling a newfound belief in the team’s abilities. His innings became a source of inspiration, and India went on to lift the World Cup at Lords.
Records Created by Kapil Dev’s 175 Run Innings: Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175 created and shattered several records in the cricket history books. Some noteworthy facts about his innings include:
- Kapil Dev’s 175* stood as the highest score by an Indian in ODIs for 16 years, until Saurav Ganguly scored 183 in the 1999 World Cup.
- It was the highest individual score in the 1983 World Cup.
- Kapil Dev still holds the record for the highest ODI score by a batsman batting at no.6 or lower.
- His 175 not out was also the highest score in World Cup matches by an individual until Vivian Richards surpassed it against Sri Lanka in the 1987 World Cup.
Kapil Dev’s Thoughts On His 175* Not Being Recorded: Regrettably, the greatest innings of all time was not captured on camera, and no highlights of the match between India and Zimbabwe exist today. The nationwide strike by the sole broadcaster BBC at the time prevented the match from being televised. When asked about this fact, Kapil Dev expressed no regrets, stating that it is recorded in his memory, and he does not criticize others. He is content with the love he receives from the people and does not dwell on the absence of a recording.
Interesting Facts about the Match:
- Stadium Name: Nevill Gate, Tunbridge Wells, England
- Series Name: Prudential 1983 World Cup
- Year of the Season: 1983
- Toss Details: India won the toss and elected to bat first
- Player Of The Match: Kapildev Ramlal Nikhanj
- Result of the Series: India won by 31 runs
- Match Number: ODI 226
- Umpires Name: Mervyn John Kitchen, Barrie John Meyer
- Match Overs: 60
Even after Kapil’s record-breaking innings, Zimbabwe believed they had a fair chance to win. Their inability to manage their innings effectively and falling behind the required run rate due to over-aggressive play led to their downfall. For India, this match was a turning point, as a loss to Zimbabwe would have likely hindered their progress to the semi-finals. Thankfully, the team’s efforts paid off, and they went on to win the tournament, stunning the overconfident West Indies in the final.
FAQs:
How much did Kapil Dev score against Zimbabwe?
Kapil Dev scored an unbeaten 175 runs in the 1983 World Cup match against Zimbabwe at Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells on 8 June.
Who broke Kapil Dev’s record of 175 runs by scoring 183 runs?
Ravindra Jadeja broke Kapil Dev’s long-standing record of 175* not out against Zimbabwe in the World Cup by scoring 183 runs in a test match against Sri Lanka in Mohali.
Did Kapil use a Mongoose bat against Zimbabwe?
No, Kapil Dev did not use a Mongoose bat for his record-breaking 175* against Zimbabwe.
Who won the final World Cup match in 1983?
India emerged victorious, defeating the West Indies by 43 runs in the final match played at Lord’s, England.